Lunchtime provides the opportunity for children to let off steam and prepare themselves for the second part of their school day. Making the most of this time can ensure children are ready and focused for a productive afternoon.
Here, we share how to boost your school’s lunchtime engagement in easy to manage ways.
Rewards and recognition
If your school has a rewards and recognition scheme in the classroom, extending this to lunchtimes can help improve engagement and encourage good behaviour. There are many ways in which children could earn a reward throughout their lunchbreak, such as helping to tidy up the canteen or playground, being kind to those who may not have anyone to play with, and cooperating with the members of staff who are on duty.
Children like to be praised, and an understanding that they can achieve this sought after recognition during their lunchtime will ensure that they remain engaged and aware throughout.
Arrange games and activities
Many children will happily entertain themselves with their own games at lunchtime, but arranging some games and activities will ensure there’s always something fun to do and everyone can get involved. This ensures that children who don’t have set friendship groups will always have people to play with and no-one will feel left out or excluded.
Lunchtime games and activities don’t need to be complicated and there are many that work with any number of children, so you don’t need to be worried about finding enough people to take part. For example, you could set up a simple obstacle course, challenge them to see how many ball bounces they can do, or play a classic game like Simon Says.
Make equipment available
Making equipment available for children to play with at lunchtime can help their imaginations to run wild and will encourage them to be active too. Most of the equipment your school uses during P.E. lessons can be beneficial during lunchtime, including balls, hoops, cones, and skipping ropes. Children can set up their own obstacle courses, play mini football matches, or simply have fun with their favourite piece of equipment.
Extra points for those children who help to gather up and put away equipment at the end of lunchtime.
How Sport and Health Academy can help
At Sport and Health Academy, we’re passionate about ensuring children remain active throughout their school day, including during their lunchbreak. Our qualified coaches offer 30-60 minutes active lunchtime sessions that help children to burn off energy, boost their endorphins, and socialise with their peers. Enjoying an active lunchtime can help children to concentrate throughout the second part of their school day and focus on their afternoon lessons.
We offer a huge range of options to suit children of all ages and fitness levels. Popular options include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Multi-skills
- Athletics
- Tri-golf
- Netball
- Gymnastics
- Futsal
Sessions can take place indoors or outside, so the fun doesn’t stop if it rains, and our sessions are OFSTED approved.
If you’d like to boost your school’s lunchtime engagement, contact us today to find out how we can tailor our active sessions to suit your students.